Report: Eagles Will Listen on Mark Sanchez

New Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez has played extremely well thus far this preseason. He has completed 18-of-22 passes for 207 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in two outings.

These performances have led Eagles head coach Chip Kelly to comment on a potential Sanchez trade prior to the start of the regular season (via CSN Philly).

The question: “What happens if somebody calls you and says ‘we’re interested in Mark?’”

“What are you giving me?” Kelly replied…I mean, we’ll listen to anything for anybody. We’re not just going to put our head in the sand and say no. It better be a pretty good deal in terms of what it is. But that’s not in any of our thought process.”

What might seem like a generic response from Kelly is more than that. Most coaches aren’t going to go out of their way to answer a trade-based question about a player on their roster. That’s not the way it works.

With Nick Foles entrenched in as the Eagles starter and youngster Matt Barkley playing well, the Eagles may be able to part with Sanchez and get something decent in return. There are a ton of quarterback-needy teams out there that could use a veteran backup with in-game starting experience. Despite a disastrous ending to his New York Jets career, Sanchez offers experience with previous success.

That’s something San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots, among many other teams, simply don’t have at this point. Though it must be noted that Kelly and Co. don’t plan on just giving Sanchez away for a late-round pick. They would have to receive an offer they couldn’t refuse to move the veteran.